388 Messrs. Parkes and Wollowicz on the Effect of [May 19, 



quantity passing off may easily be overrated ; but it can hardly be doubted 

 that in twenty-four hours there must be a good deal of elimination by this 

 channel. 



Elimination by the Skin. 



On the seventh day, when only water was taken, the whole arm was 

 placed in a glass jar, which was closed by india-rubber. A little fluid was 

 collected, which gave no evidence of alcohol with the bichromate test. 



In the afternoon of the eleventh day (the third of alcohol), when he 

 had taken seven fluid ounces in three days, the arm was enclosed for six 

 hours in the glass jar. About 12 c. c. of an acid fluid were collected; a 

 small quantity of which gave an immediate and strong green reaction with 

 the bichromate test. 



On the fourteenth day (the sixth of alcohol), the arm was again enclosed 

 in the jar, and 8 c. c. of an opalescent fluid collected, which gave a very 

 decided reaction with the bichromate. 



On the twenty-third day (the third of brandy) the arm was again placed 

 in the jar for six hours ; 10 c. c. of an acid fluid collected, which gave a 

 strong green reaction with the bichromate test. 



The general result of these experiments indicated that the skin is a con- 

 siderable emunctory of alcohol, perhaps more so than the lungs, if the 

 bichromate test is a safe one, which we are inclined to doubt. 



Elimination by the Kidneys. 



The examination was conducted as follows : — 250 c. c. of the urine 

 without any addition were placed in a large retort and distilled at a low 

 heat, till about 150 c. c. had passed over. It was tested with bichromate ; 

 then 50 c. c. were redistilled, and about 15 c. c. were allowed to pass over. 

 The following table gives the results : — 



Day. 



Fluid taken. 



Reaction of first distillate Eeacrion of second distil- 

 with bichromate test, late with bichromate test. 



3. 



9. 

 10. 

 11. 

 12. 

 13. 

 14. 



20. 



21. 

 22. 

 23. 



Water 



Alcohol, 1 fluid ounce ... 

 Alcohol. 2 fluid ounce?... 

 Alcohol, 4 fluid ounces... 

 Alcohol. 6 fluid ounces. . 

 Alcohol, 8 fluid ounces... 

 Alcohol, 8 fluid ounces. . . 

 f Water, and the same for 



Brandy, 12 fluid ounces. 

 Brandy, 12 fluid ounces . 

 Brandy, 12 fluid ounces . 



None. 

 None. 

 None. 

 Slight. 

 Distinct. 

 Very strong. 

 "Very strong. 

 Very slight, just possible 

 to be affirmed. 

 Very strong. 

 Tery strong. 

 Very strong. 



None. 



Distinct. 



Distinct. 

 Tery strong. 

 Tery strong. 

 Very great. 



This table shows distinctly that with one ounce of alcohol in twenty- 

 four hours, none was detected in the urine of that day ; it was detected 

 when two fluid ounces were taken ; and then, as the amount of alcohol was 

 increased, more and more passed into the urine, until at last the reaction 



